Police warning over electricity
bill scam calls

Local police are advising residents to be cautious when dealing with unsolicited calls from people purporting to be from an electricity company stating that they have an outstanding bill.

It comes after police in Coleraine received a report that a woman had received a call stating that she had an outstanding electricity bill to pay.

She consequently gave the caller her bank details in order that the money could be drawn from her bank account.

Speaking about the incident, Constable Alan McGowan told The Coleraine Times: “Remember that scammers are inventive and can be very convincing, however each scam has just one purpose - to tempt you into dropping your guard.

“Always be especially wary of any company or individual that asks for money, it is highly unusual for any legitimate company or organisation to demand money over the phone.

Constable McGowan said that suspicious approaches should be reported to the police and he urged the public never to disclose any personal banking details and also be aware of e-mails.

He said: ““Guarding your personal and banking details is essential as well.

“Never disclose them to any unauthorised person.

“If you have received a contact of this kind or are concerned by the intent of unsolicited calls, emails or letters then please report it to police on the non-emergency telephone number 101.”